Canyons District Offices, 9150 S. 500 West
Inaugural Budget Approved
The Canyons Board of Education on Tuesday, Aug. 4, unanimously approved its inaugural, $199.3 million operating
budget that absorbs statewide budget cuts and countywide equalization expenses without raising taxes. The
Board also approved spending $19.4 million for building needs. The action came following public Truth-in-Taxation
and budget hearings, where the board also set its tax rates for the first time. Approximately 175 people attended the
hearings, and about 40 people commented. Most who commented complained taxes did not go down along with
their assessed valuation. Some, on the other hand, urged the public to support the Board as it builds a new district.
The budget was crafted without a tax increase in order to be responsive to Canyons constituencies in this difficult
economic climate. The budget maintains education programming. It absorbs statewide budget cuts and the $3.8
million Canyons must pay to Jordan School District under a new countywide equalization law. As a result, the District
will have almost $4 million less to spend on building needs. Administrative departments also have been conservatively
staffed to save money.
Board Action
The Board approved the consent agenda, which included business contracts, home school requests, overnight travel
for Jordan Girls Tennis and Theatre. It denied a student disciplinary appeal. It approved the following administrative
hires:
– Federal Programs Coordinator: Analis Carattini-Ruiz, who has worked as a teacher and administrative intern in
several Jordan and Canyons elementary and secondary schools.
– Adult and Community Education Coordinator: Amy Boettger, a teacher specialist and testing coordinator at
Southpointe High.
– Copperview Elementary Assistant Principal: Jeff Nalwalker, a teacher in Murray District with a Master’s Degree
in Educational Studies.
Board, CFO, Superintendent Reports: Mont Millerberg thanked Superintendent David Doty and CFO Keith Bradford
for their work on the budget, and praised the efforts of the IT and Payroll departments. Vice President Sherril
Taylor thanked the Administration and Board for their efforts on the budget, and reiterated Board comments that
public input taken tonight would influence future decisions. Bradford praised the Payroll Department efforts and
successful first pay period. Superintendent Doty said the final budget was difficult to compile with no prior history
and other variables facing the new district, and thanked both Mr. Bradford and the Board for their support in working
through the challenges inherent in this unique budget process.
Study Session: The Board discussed the proposed budget and selected Board members Ellen Wallace, Paul McCarty
and Mont Millerberg as delegates to the Utah School Boards Association. The Board met in closed session to discuss
property, student, and personnel matters.
